If you take a wander through the streets of Brighton and Hove this month, you might spot something unusual. The city has been taken over by giant, human-size snails, painted in a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns. But don’t worry, you’re not imagining things. You’ve discovered the Snailspace trail, 50 snails painted by a range of artists, all to help fundraise for the local hospice, The Martlets.

I was lucky enough to join the special Snailway Safari recently, a special night-time event inviting people to discover some of the snails along with surprises along the way. Trailing from the Royal Pavilion to the Lanes, along the seafront and down onto the beach, it was a great intro to the snails – we even met a couple of the artists along the way!

Here are a few of my favourites from the night.

Arthur

Scoopalicious

Saffron

Snails Can’t Dance

And a couple of others I’ve spotted since. I’m up to 30 so far…can I reach all 50 before they disappear after the 18th of November?

Fabtastic – you can text an answer to the joke for the chance to win a prize!

Hokusai – love the Japanese theme of this one, gazing out across the sea.

The snails will be on the streets for another couple of weeks; to find out more visit www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk/snailway/. There are also some junior snails, decorated with the help of local primary schools. You can also find out more about all the inspired artists who have brought the Snailspace vision to life to raise lots for the Martlets!

The art trails for charity are a popular idea around the world, with everything from elephants to Wallace and Gromit decorated and finally auctioned off to raise money for local charities. I’d love to hear about any in your neighbourhood!